Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
983. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that many Bolivian citizens travelling to Ireland to commence English language studies are being denied boarding their flight to Dublin, with airlines reporting that they are acting on instructions from the Irish immigration authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/23]
View answerThe Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The Border Management Unit and the GNIB work closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers possess correct documentation when boarding flights abroad. Border Management Unit officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries they have in relation to immigration matters.
I can confirm that on occasion an airline may contact the BMU to seek advice regarding the admissibility of a passenger, regardless of their nationality, seeking to enter the State. There is also general information available in the public domain and on request as to standard entry requirements for various purposes. While the BMU will provide guidance on whether a passenger is likely to be admitted to the State, the final decision to board a passenger is a decision of that carrier, and there is no requirement that a carrier contact the Irish authorities before coming to such a decision.
Bolivian nationals are not visa required and may seek to enter the State without obtaining an Irish entry visa. All Non EEA Students wishing to study in the state are required to show a letter from the college/school, confirming their enrolment as a student on a full time education course on the interim list of eligible programmes ( ILEP) or an English language course. In addition they should provide proof they have paid college/school fees, private medical or travel insurance valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months, for the duration of their stay. Non Visa required nationals must also prove that they can support themselves financially after they arrive here.
